SCOPE OF PUBLICATION The Journal of Medical Device Technology (JMEDITEC) is a refereed research journal managed by Medical Devices and Technology Centre (MEDiTEC), Institute of Human Centred Engineering (iHUMEN). JMEDITEC may cover a wide range of topics in Medical Devices including, but not limited to Biomechanics, Biomaterials, Artificial organs, Biosensors, Imaging and Image processing, Tissue Engineering & Science, Neural engineering, Computer Simulation in Medical Applications, Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Signal Processing, Electrophysiology, Rehabilitation Engineering & Technology, Electrochemical Sensor, Drug Delivery and Biomanufacturing. eISSN : 2948-5436
Characterization of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Pectin Hydrogel Incorporated with Hydroxyapatite Bone Scaffold Applications
Various biomaterials have been explored as a result of the growing demand for efficient bone regeneration techniques, driven by the increasing prevalence of bone fractures. Pectin is a natural biomaterial with polysaccharide structure that have capability enhances biocompatibility and promotes cell adhesion and proliferation. Additionally, hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral in bone, was included to provide osteoconductive properties and improve the mechanical strength of the hydrogel scaffold. This study aims to develop and characterize a new hydrogel composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), pectin, and hydroxyapatite (HA) for bone regeneration applications. Gelation was initiated using calcium chloride and glutaraldehyde to facilitate in situ crosslinking. Experimental evaluations included injectability, gelation time, surface morphology (SEM analysis), elemental composition (EDX analysis) and chemical structure (FTIR analysis), The gelation times were recorded as 1 hour for the control (PVA/pectin), 1.5 hours for PVA/pectin/5% HA, and 2 hours for PVA/pectin/10% HA. SEM analysis revealed an interconnected porous structure essential for cell infiltration and nutrient diffusion. FTIR and EDX analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of HA into the hydrogel matrix. Among the formulations, the 5% HA hydrogel exhibited the most balanced characteristics in terms of gelation time, and structural properties. These findings contribute to the advancement of hybrid hydrogel scaffolds, providing insights into innovative solutions for bone defect treatments in clinical applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Medical Device Technology
Comparison of Attention Levels During Morning and Afternoon Learning Sessions Using Electroencephalography
Attention is a key cognitive function influencing learning, memory and problem-solving, yet it is affected by circadian rhythms and study time preferences. This study aimed to compare attention levels between morning and afternoon study sessions among university students using a portable EEG device, the NeuroSky MindWave. Twenty volunteers from final-year undergraduate students (10 males, 10 females) participated in the study to complete two cognitive tasks which are the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) and a comprehension test under controlled laboratory conditions. The EEG recordings include NeuroSky attention scores, low beta power and theta/beta ratios were then analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, Mann–Whitney U Test, and k-means clustering. Results showed significantly higher attention scores and low beta activity, as well as lower theta/beta ratios in morning sessions compared to afternoon (p < 0.001), which indicate greater cognitive alertness earlier in the day. Additionally, no statistically significant gender differences were observed. K-means clustering also supported these findings, showing clear separation between morning and afternoon sessions, with most morning data points clustering in the “focused/alert” group and afternoon data points in the “less focused/drowsy” group. These results highlight the influence of study time on cognitive performance and demonstrate the utility of consumer-grade EEG devices for real-time monitoring of attention in educational settings.
Real-Time Fluid Monitoring System Prototype Development Using Load Sensor for Intravenous Infusion Bottle Replacement Management
The backbone of contemporary healthcare lies in intravenous (IV) therapy, but human-generated errors during manual monitoring create risks for patients through improper dosing and excessive fluid intake and air embolism. The resulting safety concerns affect patients while simultaneously adding more work to medical teams. This paper introduces a new automated IV fluid monitoring system that leverages Internet of Things (IoT) technology. Through the system, two separate load cell sensors work with HX711 amplifier modules to provide accurate weight measurements of IV fluid bottles. The sensor data assessment and remaining fluid volume and infusion time calculation take place within an ESP32 microcontroller before the information is sent to a Firebase cloud database through Wi-Fi connectivity. The system generates three levels of warning through visual and audio cues, which include traffic lights and buzzers to notify fluid level conditions. Users receive real-time status information through a companion mobile application that uses MIT App Inventor to perform remote monitoring and push notifications. By using established reference weights to calibrate the prototype, followed by practical testing, the system achieved a measurement precision with an error margin of less than 5 % across various weight levels. The results of a survey with 26 healthcare professionals confirmed the medical field requires this system because it can decrease mistakes made by staff and boost operational effectiveness together with protecting patients. Hence, the development of this low-cost prototype proves that automated IV infusion management can become a practical solution.
Vital Signs and Hydration Monitoring for Military Application Via GSM Module
Health and readiness are critical for military personnel operating in demanding and extreme environments. Conditions such as hypoxia and dehydration-related physiological changes can adversely affect soldiers' performance and safety. These situations highlight the need for continuous physiological monitoring during military operations. This study presents a cost-effective, GSM-integrated wearable system for monitoring blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate, body temperature and skin moisture conditions in real time. The proposed system utilizes an ESP32 microcontroller integrated with a MAX30102 sensor and a capacitive Moisture Click sensor, with remote alerts transmitted via a GSM communication module to facilitate timely medical intervention. Performance evaluation involving five healthy subjects demonstrated that the MAX30102 sensor produced SpO2 readings between 97% and 99%, with a maximum deviation of ±1.33% relative to the MX450 Patient Monitor. Temperature and heart rate measurements exhibited deviations of within ±0.5°C and ±5 bpm, respectively. In addition, the Moisture Click sensor successfully differentiated three skin moisture conditions, namely very dry, dry and hydrated, with classifications comparable to those obtained using the Corneometer CM 825. The GSM module also demonstrated reliable data transmission over varying distances. These findings highlight the potential of low-cost wearable technologies for supporting physiological monitoring and enhancing situational awareness in military environments.
Design and Prototyping of Portable Tabletop Cassette Holder Support in X-Ray (CASIX)
Lateral X-ray, is a medical imaging technique that involves capturing X-ray images from the side of the body or a specific body part. In a lateral X-ray, the X-ray beam is directed laterally, with the central ray perpendicular to the midsagittal plane. Positioning of the cassette on the table for lateral image projection requires the patient to hold the x-ray cassette during the examination. This can be challenging for patients with certain physical conditions and may cause unnecessary radiation exposure. Therefore, this study proposed a prototype for lateral X-ray imaging. The prototype was designed using 3D-modelling software, SOLIDWORKS, and subsequent prototyping for a portable tabletop X-ray cassette holder addressing patients’ difficulties in holding cassettes during clinical examinations. The prototype was developed with the inclusion of an adjustable fast- locking mechanism, caster wheels for mobility, and an innovative adjustable arm for flexibility. A prototype demonstrates the potential benefits, emphasizing improved efficiency and patient comfort. Future development involves using durable materials and conducting comprehensive usability tests to refine the design for practical clinical application. Overall, the prototype offers a promising advancement in lateral X-ray imaging technology.
Sussvinderjeet Kaur Manjit Singh Sahalan
Protective Coatings for Zirconium-Based Alloys: Improving their Mechanical and Biological Properties by YSZ Coating
Zirconium is widely utilized in biomedical implants because of its exceptional properties, including corrosion resistance, wear behavior, and biocompatibility. However, these implants might have certain unfavorable effects since they lack surface features. Therefore, it is essential to establish the surface properties required for zirconium implants. Particularly, yttria-stabilized zirconia has demonstrated potential in controlling the biological and mechanical reactions to Zr. A zirconium 705 substrate was coated, ceramic coatings were developed using spray-grade yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ), synthesized via the sol-gel method. The layer was seen using XRD , a scanning microscope and EDS mapping process which displays the spatial distribution of Zr, O, and Y in the 8YSZ layer; The zirconium alloy coated layer exhibited a 64% decrease in the coefficient of friction, a 41.3% improvement in hardness, and a 56% reduction in wear rate compared to the uncoated alloy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Medical Device Technology
Physicochemical Properties Comparison between Polyvinyl Alcohol/Chitosan/Trigona Honey Electrospun Nanofibers and Films for Wound Healing
Infection and prolonged inflammation are among the main threats to effective wound healing. Hence, this study aimed to develop multifunctional medicated wound dressings in the form of electrospun nanofibers and films containing polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan, and Trigona honey (PVA/CS/TH), and compare their physicochemical properties. Two control samples without honey (PVA/CS) were also fabricated for comparison. Electrospinning and solvent casting techniques were used to fabricate electrospun nanofibers and films, respectively. The effects of different fabrication techniques as well as integration of TH into the polymer matrix were examined through surface morphology, elemental, wettability, dissolubility, and water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) analyses. The PVA/CS-1 and PVA/CS/TH-1 nanofibers showed interconnecting pores while the PVA/CS-2 and PVA/CS/TH-2 films exhibited smooth and non-homogeneous surfaces, respectively. Larger fiber diameters were observed for the PVA/CS-1 nanofibers. Inclusion of TH resulted in beaded fibers, reduced fiber diameter, and increased porosity of the PVA/CS/TH-1 nanofibers. Wettability analysis revealed that the PVA/CS-1 nanofibers (65.83° ± 5.90) were more hydrophilic than the PVA/CS-2 films (93.57° ± 4.19) and TH addition further reduced the water contact angle of both nanofibers and films. From the WVTR analysis, both nanofibers and PVA/CS-2 films exhibited higher WVTR exceeding 279 g/m2/24h which represents the WVTR value in the first-degree burns. This study suggested that PVA/CS/TH-1 nanofibers have superior physicochemical properties as multifunctional medicated wound dressings than the other samples.
Quantitative Gait Analysis Of an Amputee Using Inertial Measurement Unit: A Case Study
This study presents a quantitative evaluation of lower limb joint motion using inertial measurement units (IMUs) for gait analysis. IMU sensors were attached to six lower limb segments of thirty-two healthy participants to capture knee and ankle kinematics during one gait cycle. A Butterworth filter was selected as the optimal preprocessing method to reduce noise and enhance signal clarity. The joint angles obtained from IMUs were compared with those from the Kinovea motion analysis system, with synchronization performed on a single gait cycle for each subject. Agreement between both systems was examined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), yielding values of 0.822 (right knee), 0.881 (right ankle), 0.797 (left knee), and 0.773 (left ankle), indicating moderate to excellent consistency. A case study involving an amputee further highlighted reduced motion range and gait asymmetry in the prosthetic limb, particularly during the swing phase. These findings suggest that IMUs provide a practical and cost-effective alternative for gait assessment in non-laboratory environments.
Chemically Etched 3D-Printed Optical Fibers for Biocompatible Applications
Hydrogel coatings enhance the biocompatibility of optical fibers by reducing mechanical mismatch with tissue, with chemical etching as a critical first step to improve coating adhesion. However, the effects of sodium hydroxide etching on 3D-printed fibers remain understudied. Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) has shown great promise in advancing 3D printing technology for optical fiber fabrication due to its low optical loss, printability, and chemical resistance. In this study, PETG optical fibers were etched in 0.1 mM and 1 mM NaOH for 30–120 minutes and evaluated for optical loss, morphology, and chemical structure. All fibers maintained low optical loss, with a maximum of 0.18 dB/cm after 2 hours in 1 mM NaOH. No visible degradation or discoloration was observed, and FTIR analysis showed no structural changes at =C–H, CH₂, C–O–C, C=O, and C–H stretching, confirming no degradation at structural level which could compromise the biocompatibility of PETG. These results confirm that mild chemical etching does not compromise the optical or chemical integrity of PETG fibers, supporting their suitability for biocompatible, hydrogel-coated optical systems in biomedical applications.
Mesh Convergence Study of Three-Dimensional Femoral Bone and Stem Models: A Finite Element Method
The demand for total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgery is projected to rise annually, as indicated by analysis of past surgical data. The researchers consistently strive to enhance the hip implant design, responding to the growing demand that has evolved from solid implant designs to advanced porous implants. A widely utilized approach involves the application of finite element analysis (FEA) to the design of hip implants, as it significantly reduces both time and costs in comparison to conventional physical testing methods. However, it is essential to determine the appropriate mesh size prior to conducting FEA to ensure that it doesn’t affect the reliability of the results. Hence, the objective of this study is to conduct a mesh convergence analysis of the femoral bone and stem. This study involved the reconstruction of the femoral bone and the development of the femoral stem utilizing Mimics and SolidWorks software. The h-refinement method and analysis were conducted using the 3-Matic and MSC Marc Mentat software, with a mesh size range of 6.0 mm to 3.5 mm for the femoral bone and 4.0 mm to 2.0 mm for the femoral stem. According to results, the optimal mesh size for the femoral bone and femoral stem was 4.5 mm and 3.0 mm, respectively. The mesh convergence analysis for this study was successfully conducted, with the percentage error between two successive models demonstrated to be less than 5%.
Fabrication and Characterization of a PEGDMA-Conjugated Patch for Epicardial Cardiac Applications
This study aims to fabricate and characterize a conductive cardiac patch incorporating green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (Api-AgNPs) tailored for epicardial applications. The biosynthesis yielded uniformly dispersed nanostructures with favorable stability and functional surface chemistry. Characterization techniques, including Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and zeta potential measurements, were used to confirm size distribution, surface functionality, and colloidal stability. FESEM analysis revealed predominantly spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 98.84 ± 43.98 nm based on manual measurements, while automated ImageJ analysis yielded a mean of 13.86 ± 9.13 nm after outlier correction. Upon incorporation into a PEGDMA hydrogel matrix, the particles maintained uniform dispersion and reduced apparent size (42–80 nm), indicating effective spatial separation. DLS analysis showed a hydrodynamic diameter of 113.73 ± 1.17 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.40 ± 0.005, reflecting acceptable size uniformity. FTIR spectra confirmed key functional groups, hydroxyl (O–H), carbonyl (C=O), and aromatic (C–C), involved in nanoparticle stabilization and conductivity. A zeta potential of 40.9 ± 1.17 mV indicated strong colloidal stability. Electrical functionality was demonstrated by embedding the nanomaterial in a closed circuit, which successfully powered an LED. These findings underscore the potential of the Api-AgNP-integrated hydrogel as a conductive and biocompatible component in epicardial patches for myocardial repair, supporting the advancement of multifunctional cardiac tissue engineering strategies.
Rehabilitative Knee Brace for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Patient
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are prevalent among athletes and commonly require surgical reconstruction followed by extensive rehabilitation. Knee braces serve as a critical support system in enhancing stability, reducing strain, and facilitating functional recovery post-surgery. However, traditional braces often suffer from discomfort and suboptimal stress distribution. This study presents a novel three- dimensional (3D) knee brace design aimed at improving mechanical performance and patient comfort. The design incorporated variations in hole geometry and lower brace height. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was employed to evaluate the von Mises stress and displacement under bending and compression loads. Results indicated that a circular hole design combined with a 12 cm lower brace height minimized stress concentrations and optimized load support. These findings demonstrate the potential of design modifications in enhancing the effectiveness of rehabilitative knee braces for ACL injury recovery.
Wearable and Implantable Devices in Chronic Disease Management: Addressing Emerging Challenges
The management of chronic diseases has increasingly leveraged emerging technologies to meet the growing demand for proactive and personalized healthcare solutions. Among these, wearable and implantable medical devices have shown substantial promise by enabling continuous physiological monitoring, real-time data collection, and personalized therapeutic interventions. These devices play a critical role in managing conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory disorders, empowering patients through self-monitoring and active participation in their care. This review explores the current landscape of wearable and implantable technologies in chronic disease management, emphasizing their roles in monitoring, diagnosis, and therapy. Key challenges are discussed, including data privacy and security concerns, device interoperability, long-term reliability, and patient adherence. Furthermore, this paper highlights the integration of advanced methodologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive analytics and tailored feedback, block-chain for secure and transparent data sharing, and quantum mechanisms for enhanced bio-sensing and smart drug delivery. By critically examining current advancements and unmet clinical needs, the review outlines future directions for the effective implementation of these technologies to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare system burdens through innovative, secure, and intelligent care delivery
PGMI.Vision: A Mobile Application for Breast Mammographic Image Quality Evaluation with Usability Analysis
The PGMI classification approach is used in Malaysia to assess mammography quality. However, the PGMI criteria lack objectivity and clear definitions, leading to inconsistent evaluations by different readers. This challenge ensures that all mammography facilities fulfil the basic quality criteria. This study aims to develop a mobile application for objective mammography quality assessment and usability evaluation. Figma was utilized as a design tool for this project to create the PGMI mobile application, called PGMI.Vision, due to its interactive design capabilities and collaborative features. The app includes two important mammography views: craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) each breast, resulting in a set of four images. The study involved 27 participants and used the Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of Use (USE) Questionnaire for evaluation. Usability testing showed the average score for Usefulness was 81.67%, Ease-of-Use was 81.82%, Ease of Learning was 80.93%, and Satisfaction was 79.68%. The overall average score was 81.02%, which exceeds typical benchmarks in USE Questionnaire studies, indicating high user satisfaction and usability. These high scores suggest PGMI.Vision is user-friendly and exhibit significant potential for future use.
Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Medical Device Technology
Lateral Flow Biosensors (LFBs) for Rapid Detection of Infectious Diseases and Saliva as a Diagnostic Biofluid
This review highlights the importance and recent development of lateral flow biosensors (LFBs) for rapid detection of infectious diseases. The LFBs could provide better disease prognosis, diagnosis, community surveillance and continuous care of patients and useful for point-of-care (POC) testing. This review also discusses the alternative sampling using saliva for sensitive and specific detection of infectious agents, indicating the effectiveness of saliva as a noninvasive diagnostic biofluid for diagnosis of infectious diseases.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-Hydroxyapatite Particles by Using Co-Precipitation Method for Bone Scaffold
Hydroxyapatite has become an important material for bone scaffold fabrication. Various method has been investigated in developing nano-hydroxyapatite that mimicking the native bone properties. Co-precipitation approach is the best synthesis method due to capability in producing hydroxyapatite with controlled size and morphology. However, to determine the parameters in producing good hydroxyapatite has become a challenge. Therefore, the aim of this study is to synthesis the nano-hydroxyapatite with right size and composition via co-precipitation method. In this study, calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and ammonium phosphate dibasic were mixed for 3 hours at pH11 before left ageing for 24 hours. The morphology of the hydroxyapatite nanoparticle was in rod-like look as observed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The average diameter of the hydroxyapatite nanoparticle was 8.49 ± 0.36 nm, whereas the average length was 37.46 ± 1.86 nm. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analysis yield the result of Ca/P ratio of 1.43 which is close to the stoichiometry of hydroxyapatite, 1.67. Produced nanoparticle confirmed co-precipitation method is the best choice in synthesizing nano size hydroxyapatite that suitable for bone tissue engineering application.
A Prototype Validation Study of a Digitized Pressure Biofeedback Unit Versus Electromyography During Transverse Abdominis Muscle Activation
Core stability, particularly involving the Transverse Abdominis (TrA) muscle, is essential for lumbar support and is especially relevant for individuals with lower back pain. Traditional Pressure Biofeedback Units (PBUs) are commonly used to monitor TrA activation during core stabilization exercises but these analogue devices have limitations in terms of monitoring usability, often requiring manual readings prone to error. This study aims to develop and test a digitized Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) prototype specifically for monitoring transverse abdominis (TrA) muscle activation, enhancing accuracy and providing real-time digital feedback for clinical and rehabilitation settings. The prototype integrates an Arduino microcontroller and a barometric pressure sensor to capture TrA activation automatically, reducing manual operation. Readings of the PBU prototype were then evaluated by applying loads weighing 1 to 3 kg and compared against the pressure gauge. Six healthy male participants (mean age 24 ÷ 2 years) performed abdominal draw-in manoeuvres at targeted pressures of 50, 60, and 70 mmg, with muscle activation recorded via surface electromyography (EMG) and PBU. Results indicated that the root mean square error (RMSE) of dPBU ranged 0.15 to 0.94mmHg at baseline (i.e. no load) and with loads up to 2kg only, affirming the dPBU's accuracy in detecting TrA activity. Additionally, a positive trend showed between the PBU and EMG measurements with dispersion less than 0.5mmHg across different levels of muscle activity suggests that the PBU could serve as a reliable, user-friendly alternative to EMG biofeedback in core stabilization training, supporting efficient TrA monitoring and activation in clinical rehabilitation.
Current Applications and Future Potential of 3D Bioprinting in Tissue Engineering
This review explores the current applications and future potential of 3D bioprinting in tissue engineering. Key bioprinting techniques including inkjet, extrusion, and laser-assisted methods are discussed, highlighting their advantages and limitations. The review examines various bioink materials, categorized into natural polymers, synthetic polymers, and decellularized extracellular matrix, evaluating their properties and suitability for different tissue types. Current applications in vascular, cartilage, and cancer tissue engineering are analyzed, showcasing the versatility of 3D bioprinting. Despite significant progress, challenges remain, including improving printing resolution, vascularization of larger constructs, and maintaining cell viability during the printing process. Future perspectives focus on enhancing the mechanical properties of bioprinted tissues, developing novel bioprinting methods, and incorporating vascularization-promoting factors. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in 3D bioprinting for tissue engineering, evolution to regenerative medicine and drug discovery.
Surface Modification of Polycaprolactone/Gelatin Nanofibers with β-Tricalcium Phosphate
Polycaprolactone (PCL) is one of synthetic biomaterials that have been used for bone scaffolds. PCL is a synthetic, linear, and semicrystalline aliphatic polymer that is widely used for bone application due to its biocompatibility and good mechanical properties. However, PCL has disadvantages due to its hydrophobicity nature that require combination with another natural biomaterial such as Gelatin. However, this composite still lacks elements to support bone mineralization environment. Besides hydroxyapatite, ß-tricalcium phosphate (B-TCP) is one of bioceramics that having similar components with natural bone minerals. ß-Tricalcium phosphate (B-TCP) is a widely used for bone scaffolds, but the study on the effect of this biomaterial coating on nanofibers remains limited. Therefore, this study focuses on the surface modification of fabricated PCL/Gelatin nanofibers with B-TCP. Prior to surface modification, PCL/Gelatin nanofibers were fabricated by using an electrospinning at two distinct PCL to gelatin volume ratio, which are 60:40 and 70:30. This approach aims to identify the optimal volume ratio for nanofiber through scanning electron microscope (SEM) result analysis. The PCL/Gelatin nanofibers with mix ratio of 70:30 was selected and subjected to surface modification using a post-treatment method, involving immersion in a B-TCP solution. Following this modification, all types of nanofibers were analyzed using SEM, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and water contact angle (WCA) measurements. The surface-modified PCL/Gelatin nanofibers treated with B-TCP (PCL/Gelatin/B-TCP) exhibited a rougher morphology, with an average diameter of 395.0799.83 nm and an average porosity of 26%. WCA analysis indicated an increase in hydrophilicity for the PCL/Gelatin/ß-TCP nanofibers, with an average contact angle of 56.17#2.87°, compared to the PCL/Gelatin nanofibers, which had an average contact angle of 89.958.43°. Based on the results obtained, the surface modified-nanofibers demonstrated characteristics that have potential in enhancing bone regeneration. Consequently, this provides valuable insights for advancing bone tissue engineering applications.
A Review of Bioink Development for 3D Bioprinting: Application in Corneal Tissue Regeneration
This review was to describe the state and progress regarding methods for 3D bioprinting applicable for corneal regeneration; these are identified with developments related to bioink and related bioprinting technologies. This review article has pointed out in detail the mechanism of the 3D printing process; it maintains that bioink ideally consists of biomaterial components deriving both from natural and synthetic ones, cells, and biochemical factors, in such ways which could imitate the properties of a native cornea in several respects, in its mechanic, structural, and ultrastructural features. Biocompatibility, transparency, strength for tension, and corresponding rheology were emphasized as relevant. This review discusses recent modalities of bioprinting, including inkjet, extrusion-based, laser-assisted bioprinting, and stereolithography, for their adequacy in corneal tissue engineering. The integrated use of advanced bioprinting techniques combined with optimized bioinks is a highly promising approach in the fabrication of functional corneal tissues for restored vision and the treatment of ocular disorders.
Occupational Therapists’ Perceptions on The Training Needed for Children with Upper Limb Prosthesis
The aim of this study was to develop and conduct content validation through expert panel discussion to develop a home-based self-care training module for children who fitted with a 3D printed hand prosthesis. A three-round Delphi technique was implemented. Round one involved 1) a literature search, and 2) a review of an existing user manual, and experiences of 12 occupational therapists specializing in pediatrics and orthopedic was obtained by rating the proposed components using a Likert scale from a range of 1 to 5 in round two of the study. An analysis of consensus, stability, and agreement was then performed according to the characteristics of relevance, clarity, simplicity and sufficiency in round three by 12 occupational therapists from each state in Peninsular Malaysia. Fleiss kappa statistical test was used to measured strength of agreement. All 12 experts completed and returned the survey where consensus was attained with a mean score of > 4 or 80% agreement. The strength of agreement obtained for each of the dimensions was almost perfect (κ= 1). Following the final round of the survey, a total of three phases, four steps, and 21 activities and items were finalized as the main components in the home-based self-care training module. The Delphi methodology allowing a strong consensus obtained on the key domains for a home-based self-care training module for children who fitted with a 3D printed hand prosthesis.
A Review of Medical Device Procurement at National Level: Integrating Support Systems for Clinical Engineers Towards Efficient, Transparent and Standardized Procurement Processes
This study explores the role and the key support system required by clinical engineers in enhancing national-level medical device procurement to ensure efficiency, safety and standardization. Using WHO's 2022 data from 11 South-East Asian countries as a foundation, the review identifies critical gaps in the national-level procurement infrastructure, particularly in the availability of regulatory support, standardized procurement processes and technical specifications to support the national level procurement practice. These deficiencies highlight the need for a robust framework that supports clinical engineers in making informed, evidence-based procurement decisions. The study also emphasizes the importance of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and Clinical Evidence Databases (CED) as essential tools for evaluating the safety, effectiveness and long-term performance of medical devices. In addition to technical evaluation, the research highlights the necessity of standardized procurement guidelines and detailed technical specifications to reduce variability in device quality and ensure compliance with national and international standards. The role of continuous education and training is also examined, stressing that clinical engineers must stay updated on advancements in medical technology, regulatory requirements and sustainability practices to effectively support procurement processes. By continuously upgrading their knowledge and skills, clinical engineers can ensure that procurement decisions are aligned with the current best practices and healthcare priorities. Collaboration among key stakeholders including governments, regulatory authorities, manufacturers and clinical engineers is identified as crucial for establishing transparent, efficient, and equitable procurement systems. Regulatory bodies must ensure that all devices meet stringent safety and performance standards, while manufacturers need to provide accurate technical data and engage in sustainable production practices. Governments, in turn, play a critical role in centralizing procurement processes, standardizing guidelines and facilitating partnerships across the public and private sectors. This research concludes that by effectively putting clinical engineering support systems in place, national procurement strategies can be significantly enhanced. It is hoped that this integration will not only streamline procurement processes but also improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes in ensuring that devices procured at the national level meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and sustainability.
Development and Functional Assessment of Wearable Assistive Device with Vibration Motor for Blind and Vision Impaired Persons (BVIP)
World Health Organization (WHO) stated that about 2.2 billion Blind and Vision Impaired Persons (BVIP) worldwide. There are a few types of developed and commercialised assistive devices such as walking canes and Electronic Travel Aids (ETA) to assist them. However, these devices are not hands-free, do not utilize audio output, and lack location tracking features. This study proposes a comfortable, integrated wearable system for blind and visually impaired persons (BVIP) that concurrently detects obstacles and tracks their location remotely. The established algorithm using the Arduino Uno will be integrated into the ultrasonic sensors, and PWM vibration motors before being attached to a wearable jacket. The sensor detection and battery performance tests were conducted. This is to ensure good accuracy of obstacle detection on different surfaces either outdoor or indoor environments also verifying the battery lifespan quality is adequate for daily usage by the user. In conclusion, the proposed hands-free wearable navigation assistive device showed the ability of the ultrasonic sensor in detecting obstacles in indoor and outdoor areas up to 98.66% and 98.0%, with a rechargeable battery performance of up to 7 hours and 45 minutes per cycle. This shows that the device has the potential to help users use it effectively daily.
Validation of Short-Term and Ultra-Short-Term Heart Rate Variability Measurement Based on Photoplethysmogram Using Commercial Mobile Application
Heart rate variability (HRV) is a valuable tool for assessing autonomic function and diagnosing cardiovascular diseases. Electrocardiography (ECG) is considered the gold standard for HRV measurements. Photoplethysmography (PPG), a simpler and more convenient method has emerged as an alternative to ECG for HRV measurement. As a result of this technique, many mobile applications have been developed that claim to perform real-time HRV in short periods ranging from 10 seconds to 1 minute. However, HRV requires at least 5-mintues for accurate measurements. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the validity of short-term (5 min) and ultra-short-term (<5 min) HRV measurements obtained through a commercially available smartphone app (Camera Heart Rate Variability app) and compared to a traditional PPG sensor (Shimmer3 GSR+). PPG signals were collected from 16 healthy participants and pre-processed to eliminate noise and reduce motion artifacts. A total of 12 HRV features were then extracted using time-domain analysis (TA) and frequency-domain analysis (FA). Next, HRV features were compared using correlation analysis. TA features using Camera HRV app (meanHR, AVNN, RMSDD, pNN50) showed significant correlation (r > 0.7) at a minimum duration of 0.5-minute, while SDNN required 1 minute. FA features (VLF, LF, LFnu, HFnu) required a minimum duration of 2 minute, while (HF, LF/HF, TP) required 3 minutes. In conclusion, Camera HRV app is suggested to be a valid surrogate to traditional PPG sensors and has the potential to be used in various fields.
The Evolution of Aortic Cannula Modification: A Mini Review
Aortic cannulation is a surgical technique used in cardiac surgery to establish extracorporeal circulation, enabling the surgeon to bypass the heart's function temporarily during procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement, aortic aneurysm repair, and congenital heart defect corrections. This technique involves accessing the aorta, the largest artery in the body, and connecting it to a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machine, which takes over the pumping function of the heart and provides oxygenated blood to the body's organs and tissues. Aortic cannulation is a critical step in cardiac surgery, providing the necessary access to the heart and vasculature while ensuring adequate perfusion of vital organs during surgical interventions. Careful attention to patient selection, cannula placement, and intraoperative monitoring is essential to optimize outcomes and minimize complications. To appreciate the contemporary landscape of aortic cannulation, it is imperative to embark on a historical journey through its evolution. The roots of aortic cannulation trace back to the pioneering efforts of early cardiac surgeons. Their ingenuity and perseverance laid the foundation for the refined techniques in practice today. Over the years, aortic cannulation techniques have undergone a metamorphosis, driven by advances in surgical instruments, technology, and a deepening understanding of cardiovascular physiology.
Strategic Insights and Practical Tips for Establishing the Aseptic Chemotherapy Drug Compounding Unit in a Tehran Hospital: A Comprehensive Guide to Operational Success
Aseptic compounding units are critical in the pharmaceutical field, especially for handling hazardous medications like chemotherapy drugs. These facilities are crucial for safeguarding patients, healthcare workers, and the environment. This article presents a practical roadmap for institutions seeking to establish chemotherapy drug preparation centers, drawing upon the experience of Iran's first GMP-compliant drug preparation unit. It delves into the regulatory framework, encompassing compliance with international standards like USP797 and USP800, and outlines the essential steps involved, including physical space establishment, clean room construction, human resource management, communication protocols, standard operating procedures, documentation, and authorization processes. The article emphasizes the paramount importance of patient safety, personnel safety, and environmental safety, highlighting the risks associated with hazardous drugs and the need for robust protective measures and protocols. It also acknowledges the challenges faced in Iran, including equipment accessibility and adherence to standards, and underscores the urgency for addressing these issues. The article concludes by advocating for the rapid establishment and development of drug preparation units in chemotherapy facilities across Iran, drawing inspiration from the successful implementation of the first GMP-compliant center and advocating for greater legislative support and collaboration.
Pulsed-Low Intensity Ultrasound Improved Wound Healing Process in Hyperglycemic Microenvironment
Chronic wounds among diabetic patients have always been in a concerning state over the past years. The implementation of non-invasive procedures such as ultrasound techniques to accelerate the healing of diabetic wounds is believed to provide impressive benefits in terms of improving cells’ physiology mechanistically. This current study focused on the effect of pulsed-low intensity ultrasound (PLIUS) as a mechanical stimulator for wound healing experiments under a hyperglycemic microenvironment. HSF 1184 cells were first optimized in 6-well plates using several seeding densities. The optimized seeding density, 4 × 105 cells/mL, was used for the scratch assay experiment. PLIUS probe was placed on the center of the scratched cells and treated with several doses for 5 minutes. The percentage of wound closure of HSF 1184 was analyzed using ImageJ software. The results revealed that the cells subjected to ultrasound treatment at a frequency of 1 MHz, intensity of 0.3 W/cm2, and 50% of duty cycle exhibited the greatest extent of wound closure in comparison to the other two ultrasound dosages. In summary, it can be concluded that the utilization of low-intensity therapeutic ultrasound at a frequency of 1 MHz, an intensity of 0.3 W/cm2, and a duty cycle of 50% holds promise for facilitating wound healing under a hyperglycemic microenvironment.
On-Body Reduced Size AMC Design for Lowering Specific Absorption Rate in Wearable Antenna Application
This manuscript investigates the design parameters of an Artificial Magnetic Conductor (AMC) and their impact on the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) when integrated with a Coplanar Waveguide (CPW) antenna. The AMC was designed with periodic square patches of 10 mm x 10 mm on a grounded dielectric substrate with a thickness of 1.6 mm and a dielectric constant of 4.4. The AMC design was optimized using CST Microwave Studio to achieve a 0-degree reflection phase at the operational frequency of 2.4 GHz. The optimization process involved varying the dimensions of the patches and the spacing between them to minimize return loss and maximize radiation efficiency. The CPW antenna, with and without the AMC, was simulated in the presence of a realistic human chest model to evaluate SAR levels. The results indicate that the introduction of the AMC improved the impedance matching of the antenna, reducing the reflection coefficient (S11) from -10 dB to -20 dB at 2.4 GHz. Furthermore, the integration of the AMC increased the antenna gain from 2 dBi to 5 dBi. Most importantly, the peak SAR value in the human chest model was reduced from 1.8 W/kg to 0.8 W/kg over 1g of tissue, demonstrating the AMC's effectiveness in lowering RF exposure to human tissues. These findings highlight the potential of AMCs in enhancing the performance and safety of wearable wireless devices by effectively reducing SAR levels while improving antenna efficiency.
SoleMate: The Design and Development of a Smart Insole System
The SoleMate smart insole system, introduced in this study, addresses the growing prevalence of foot disorders and their associated complications. Foot disorders affect a substantial portion of the population, leading to foot pain and gait abnormalities. This research presents a low-cost, innovative solution that combines force-sensitive resistors (FSR), vibration motors, and a gyroscope sensor integrated with an ESP32 microcontroller. This system offers continuous monitoring of foot alignment and plantar pressure, along with the ability to provide alerts for abnormal foot alignment. By utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT) technology through the Blynk app, users can remotely monitor and control the device, enhancing its usability and potential for early detection and intervention in foot-related issues. While the SoleMate system shows promise, there is room for improvement, including reducing the system's size, adding sensors to enhance data collection, and improving the user interface. With its potential to improve foot health and overall well-being, the SoleMate system holds promise for healthcare professionals and individuals seeking effective foot-related problem management and prevention.
Finite Element Study on Mechanical Properties of The Normal and Transverse Fracture Bones – A Computational Simulation
There are lots of cases of injury or trauma that can cause broken or cracked bones. Long treatment can be more dangerous when combined with some of the diseases they have. Despite this, there is still not much research on the mechanical properties of bone, especially in the elderly. To develop bone tissue engineering and the design of bionic bones, it is essential to understand the mechanical properties and microscopic failure mechanisms of bones. Proper bone function also depends on the mechanical properties of the bone. The purpose of this study is to develop the three-dimensional bone model for finite element analysis simulation and examine the mechanical behavior of two different types of bone (normal and non-displaced transverse fracture bone) through ANSYS Workbench. The 3D bone model design of normal and cracked bone was imported, analyzed, and simulated in ANSYS with varying loads applied. To get the parameter of mechanical characteristics of bones to result. Application of finite element method using ANSYS Software as a computational technique that uses continuum mechanics theories to solve biomedical engineering problems may require the accurate analysis of the mechanistic properties of human bone. There was no significant difference in elastic modulus between normal and fractured bone. The maximum Young's modulus was found at 8.225×10-7 with a minimum of 4.095×10-5. Despite this, the shear strain and stress hold a huge gap in the maximal and minimum position of both types of bone. Certainly, transverse fracture bone got the highest number of total deformations. The normal bone got 0.00023607 m for total deformation, alternatively, 0.00031965 m occurs in transverse fracture when the greatest load is performed. This clearly states, that cracked bone has a greater risk of failure and stiffness especially in elderly people. These mechanical properties findings of fractured bone are considered suitable for further development, especially in the prevention and treatment to decrease the revision of critical surgery in the future.